What to Wear for Your Professional Headshot Session

When it comes to dressing for a professional headshot session, it’s important to keep in mind the image you want to convey. Deciding what to wear is almost invariably more stressful than the actual session (and neither are worth stressing about!).

You may want to look professional and polished, yet also feel comfortable and confident. Below are tips to help you select the perfect outfit.

Choose attire that aligns with your profession and the image you want to portray. Generally, a suit or blazer with a collared shirt works well for men, while women may opt for a blouse, dress, or suit.

Gone are the days that being professional required wearing a tie. You should consider dressing appropriately to attend a business meeting in your industry or audience where you’ll use your headshot. If it’s appropriate, lose the tie!

Think about your brand and the message you want to convey in your headshot. If you work in a creative field, you may want to add a pop of color to show your personality. If you work in a more conservative industry, you may want to stick with more classic, understated clothing.

Avoid busy patterns, stripes, or plaids that may distract from your face in the headshot. Solid colors tend to work best as the focus should be on you, not what you’re wearing.

Consider wearing colors that complement your skin tone and bring out your eyes. Neutrals like black, gray, and navy work well (they’re staples for a reason), as do jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and ruby.

Make sure your clothing fits well and is comfortable. Avoid anything too tight or too loose, as it can affect the way you look in the photo.

Simple jewelry or accessories can add a nice touch, but avoid anything too flashy or distracting. You want the focus to be on your face. Stud earrings are acceptable, and if you feel that you must wear a necklace, go with something simple that doesn’t intersect with the neckline of your top.

Make sure you are well-groomed and put-together. Pay attention to details like your hair, makeup, and accessories.

Overall, remember that your headshot is a representation of you and your personal brand. Choose clothing that makes you feel confident and professional, and that will showcase your best self in front of the camera.